TREASURE ISLAND — City commissioners voted on first reading to ban shark fishing from shore, joining other Pinellas County barrier island communities with similar restrictions.
Commissioner Arden Dickey said he spotted fishermen with sophisticated equipment — heavy-duty poles, lines and drones — while jogging on the beach. Children were swimming nearby.
“Someone said they’re shark fishing,” he told fellow commissioners. “I thought that seemed problematic.”
Later that day, a resident emailed asking why the city allows the practice.
Dickey researched ordinances in neighboring communities and found Indian Shores already prohibits shark fishing from its shoreline. He used that ordinance as a template, modified it and sent it to the city attorney.
“It would ban shark fishing from the shores of Treasure Island,” he said.
Shark fishing from shore is legal in Florida, according to state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials, but requires a mandatory shore-based shark fishing permit for anyone 16 and older. The permit involves completing an approved online course and must be renewed annually. It’s required for fishing from shores, beaches, piers, jetties, bridges and causeways.
State rules prohibit chumming or blood baiting and restrict which shark species can be targeted. Some species, like the Atlantic angel shark, are prohibited from harvest.
While the FWC has jurisdiction over fishing regulations, municipalities control their own property. Several barrier island cities, including Indian Shores and Redington Shores, have enacted bans. The restrictions are considered limitations on beach use rather than fishing regulations.
Cities assert their authority to restrict activities on municipal property to enhance public safety, such as keeping sharks away from swimmers. Sharks may mistake swimmers — especially those wearing high-contrast colors or shiny jewelry — for natural prey.
Interim City Attorney Gavin Rollins said the ordinance would serve as a deterrent if signs prohibiting targeted shark fishing operations were placed on city property. The city cannot stop the practice from boats, he noted.
Resident West Evans questioned enforcement.
“Right now we don’t even enforce the rules we already have on the beach,” he said, citing cigarette smoking violations. “If you pass this, fine, go for it, but let’s try to enforce the rules we already have.”
A second reading is scheduled for Oct. 21.
The city commission approved a code of ethics for elected officials on first reading, including sanctions for violations.
The code states commissioners shall conduct themselves with courtesy and professionalism, avoid abusive conduct and personal attacks against other commissioners, staff or the public, and refrain from behavior that could reasonably be viewed as improper.
The ordinance clarifies conduct standards already in the city charter and is intended to be self-enforcing. The city manager or city attorney will provide orientation and periodic training to commissioners and board members.
The ordinance establishes a tiered approach to addressing violations. First, the offended commissioner should address concerns directly with the offending commissioner, describing the specific conduct and its impact. No formal action is required at this step.
If unresolved, either party may request assistance from the city attorney or a neutral facilitator to seek a mutually acceptable resolution.
If an impasse remains, either commissioner may bring the concern to the full commission at a publicly noticed meeting. The commission will meet as a committee of the whole to become fully informed, determine whether a potential code violation occurred, attempt informal resolution and, if needed, schedule a public hearing for a final determination and potential sanctions.
After providing notice and an opportunity to be heard, the commission may determine by majority vote whether a violation occurred and select an appropriate sanction.
Potential sanctions include oral admonition, written reprimand, formal censure by resolution, required training, public apology, modification or removal of ceremonial or liaison roles, and other measures within the commission’s authority.
The code supplements but does not replace state law. The Florida Commission on Ethics retains jurisdiction over alleged violations of Chapter 112, Florida Statutes, and other applicable laws.
Anyone may file a complaint against a public officer with the Florida Commission on Ethics in Tallahassee. The commission investigates ethics complaints and issues reports with findings and recommendations. In egregious cases, it can recommend the governor suspend an official from office. City commissioners can also be removed through a recall election or gubernatorial executive order.
Commissioners unanimously approved the code of ethics on first reading. A second reading is possible for Oct. 21.